Do Adwords adversely affect Google ranking?

[zippitydoodah]

I'm not an SEO guru, but I have tried to design a client's site according to most conventional SEO guidelines.

The site has decent ranking on Yahoo (for keywords like "teak bath mat," wooden bath mat" and "teak shower mat") as a result but no Google presence to speak of. My client spends a lot of money on Google Adwords and we both have a sinking feeling that Google might be deliberately keeping the ranking low or nonexistent to make sure my client continues to purchase the adwords.

Does anyone know of any cases where this has occurred?

The site is http://www.teakworks4U.com if anyone wants to take a look at it. Suggestions and advice are welcome.

I know backlinks from high pagerank sites are important and we are planning to develop some links, but are still dismayed that we have no real presence for our keywords on Google.

Thanks!